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Hello Readers! Sorry I’ve been away so long. It’s been a BUSY year in my life. This was my daughter’s senior year of high school and my first year in a new school. Add on my precarious health (which included a broken foot and a long discussion about filing for disability) and that I lost my home office (and only writing space) to a ten month long house guest and things have been eventful, to say the least. But now my house guest has moved on to a new adventure, my daughter and I are out of school, the home office makeover is underway, and life has returned to my normal. I will tell you one thing about the past ten months – I learned a valuable lesson about myself. I need my writing space. My inspiration wall. My resource books. My notes, charts, and timelines. I need a place where I can go to live inside my head for a while. Trying to write while sitting in the middle of my family room was a lesson in frustration.

So… I say all this to say that I’m excited to report that I’ve returned to work on Sophia’s Courage. I’m going to try to finish as soon as possible and then move right into Katherine’s Fire (I’ve already made a ton of notes!). Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. And for your patience when my life gets out of hand. It means so much to hear from readers who have invested in my characters as much as I have. I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress.

One of my books, One Heart ~ Two Souls, will be included in a book distribution at the 2014 RT Booklovers Romance Convention in New Orleans May 13-18! Smashwords will distribute thumb drives containing a selection of romance books in the goodie bags of all attending authors, publishers, readers, agents and media! This means one of my books will be in the hands of so many more people!!!!

I’m sorry to report that my release of Sophia’s Courage will have to be delayed. I’ve been up against a few stumbling blocks regarding my health lately and my writing time has been greatly impacted. I’m still writing through it but not finding nearly the amount of time to write that I would like. Maybe it’s time to take my husband up on that offer of early retirement (from full-time teaching) and writing full time. That’s something for me to think about.

Hang in there readers. I’m just as determined to see Sophia’s Courage finished as you are. I’ll keep everybody posted. Thanks for all your encouragement. It helps so much when the days are tough!

As Sullivan walked across the parking lot, he went over his assignment again. Einstein, his friend and business partner, told him to look for a woman with fair skin, hazel eyes, and long brown hair. Elegant and feminine, he said. Pretty. Sullivan scanned the diners in the outdoor café and knew the moment he’d found her. Sophia Campbell sat alone, head bent to her work, temporarily oblivious to her surroundings. Even as he watched, she checked the time before quickly clearing the table. Tucking everything away into a case at her feet, she leaned back in her chair and tuned back in.

“Excuse me, sir,” said the maître d. “Table for two?”

“Actually, I’m meeting someone,” Sullivan explained. “And I see her. Just over there.” He gestured to where Sophia sat in the sunshine.

“Very good, sir.” The gentleman stood aside to let him pass.

It had been two years since Sullivan had resigned his commission as a Navy SEAL and entered the field of private security but he still looked like the soldier he’d once been. Every inch of his six feet two inch frame was bulging muscle, his skin a deep rich mahogany. In jeans and a dark blue button down shirt, he looked strong and confident.

“Sophia?” He smiled reassuringly. “My name is Sullivan Price. I’m here on behalf of Einstein and Bronwyn.”

He sat quickly and began to explain. “There was a little… situation at the construction site of their new bookstore, Dénouement. Einstein and Bronwyn couldn’t get away.”

“Nothing serious I hope.”

“Nothing they can’t handle,” Sullivan corrected.

With a nod, she held out her hand. “Sophia Campbell – wedding planner.”

Sullivan could feel the warmth of her smile as he took her hand gently in his. He couldn’t help but notice how small and fragile it was in comparison to his own. How smooth and soft her skin. As he returned the smile, he felt the jolt of attraction. “Nice to meet you.”

“You’re Einstein’s friend. You served together. Right?”

“Yes, ma’am. The guys call me Caveman,” he volunteered proudly.

“And what am I to call you?”

He hesitated, cocking his head at her. “I think I’ll just leave that up to you.”

Sophia considered him thoughtfully, the way he sat, his powerful body still and quiet. She remembered what Einstein had said about his friends. Before they’d opened Trident Security, a firm that provided security systems for private and commercial spaces, they’d been part of an elite Navy SEAL team. Sullivan’s body was a honed weapon used to intimidate his enemies, yet his eyes were kind and friendly. Sophia concentrated on his eyes. “I think I’ll stick with Sullivan. If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” he smiled. Christ. She was lovely. Long dark hair, red full lips, and eyes the color of Tennessee whiskey. Petite. Delicate. The kind of woman a man wanted to take care of. Protect. Cherish. Sullivan was instantly intrigued. With a glance he hoped was subtle, he searched Sophia’s left hand. Nothing. No wedding band. No diamond. He was smiling when he looked up to find her watching him. Sullivan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope.

“Einstein and Bronwyn wanted me to make sure that you got their deposit today.”

“Well, that was very nice of them. And you.” She took the envelope and slipped it into her case. “But, considering the circumstances, it could have waited until our next appointment.”

“They agreed to pay the deposit today. It was important to them to keep their word,” Sullivan explained.

Just then, they were approached by a waiter, menus in hand. Sophia started to explain the situation, when Sullivan interrupted.

“I’d be honored if you would join me for lunch.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary. You don’t need to…”

“You’re right,” he interrupted a second time. “I don’t need to. I want to.” His hand reached out to cover hers. “Please, join me for lunch.”

Sophia hesitated for only a moment, before agreeing. “I’d love to.”

Hours later, Sophia checked her watch, startled by the time. “Oh my goodness. I didn’t realize it was so late. I didn’t mean to keep you,” she apologized. “You must have had plans for the afternoon.”

“Nothing more important than lunch with you.”

“And you’re gallant too,” she added as Sullivan signaled for the check. When it arrived, Sophia reached for it. “Please, allow me. We’ll consider it a business lunch.”

His hand holding tight to the check, Sullivan waited for her eyes to meet his. “I’d rather think of it as lunch with a new friend.”

Once the check was paid, they stood, Sullivan taking his place beside Sophia as he guided her out of the restaurant. His mind was racing, trying to come up with a way, any way, to extend their time together. Unfortunately, everything he thought of sounded far too contrived and far too desperate.

“Well, thank you again for a lovely lunch,” Sophia was saying as they reached her car.

Sullivan took the hand she offered, breathing in sharply as he felt the strong punch of desire.

Unprepared, Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise. She gave him one last measured look, climbed into the relative safety of her car, and closed the door between them.

Sullivan let her go, heading across the parking lot. After all, he’d be able to find her again easily enough. All it would take is one call to Einstein. As he settled into his truck and put his key in the ignition, he turned to look back. Sophia’s car hadn’t moved. Concerned, Sullivan paused, debating if he should check on her. Going with his instincts, he pocketed his keys, climbed out of his truck, and started walking back. When he reached the halfway point, he could just make out Sophia in the driver’s seat, her head resting on the steering wheel. Shit. Sullivan broke into a run, calling her name loudly. When Sophia lifted her head at the sound of his voice, relief overwhelmed him. He yanked open the car door, kneeling down next to her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Why? Is something wrong?” Sophia reached out to lay her hand on his chest, right over his racing heart. “Are you okay?”

Shaking his head as he struggled to level his system, Sullivan reassured her he was fine. “When you didn’t leave, I thought something might be wrong. And then I saw you slumped over the wheel…”

Relieved that she was okay and more than a little embarrassed that he’d overreacted, he stood. “Why don’t I take a look? Pop the hood.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. You’ve done enough today. I can just call my service.”

“But I’m already here. At your service,” Sullivan joked. When she hesitated, he continued. “How’s this? I’ll take a look. See if I can figure it out. If I can’t, you can still make that call.”

Sophia took a moment to think. “That sounds reasonable. Thank you.” She bent low and pulled the hood release.

Sullivan ducked under it, disappearing from view. “Okay. Try it.”

She turned the key. They both heard a disappointing click and then silence.

“Okay. Give me a few minutes.”

Never one to waste time, Sophia pulled out her phone and began to check her messages, answering those that couldn’t wait. The first was to the florist approving table centerpieces. The second to Bronwyn thanking her for the deposit. The last text was to Josh – Having a little car trouble. Be there in twenty. Maybe less.

“Try it again.”

Hopeful, she turned the key. Nothing.

“I think all we need to do is give it a jump. I’ll drive my truck over. You just stay put.”

“Great,” Sophia smiled, trying hard not to show her irritation. It wasn’t Sullivan’s fault that her car picked today of all days to act up. She climbed out to wait for him, peering under the car’s hood as he had earlier.

“Excuse me, miss? Can I help you?”

Sophia turned to see a man walking toward her. It only took a glance to recognize the type – a mirror whore. With his bleached blond hair, perfectly capped teeth and spray on tan, he looked like a Ken doll gone wrong. Sophia forced a smile. “No thanks. I’m good.”

“A woman as pretty as you shouldn’t be left stranded all alone in a parking lot. Why don’t you let me take a look at your car?”

Sophia turned to face him as he stepped forward. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer but I’m neither stranded nor alone.”

Ken turned a quick three sixty. “You sure look like you’re alone to me, sweetheart.” He moved in a little closer.

“I’ve already called for help.”

Not to be discouraged so easily, he smiled. “That’s great. Why don’t we go inside then? We can share a glass of wine while we wait.”

Before she could answer him, Sullivan pulled up in his truck. As he got out, Sophia had the delight of watching Ken pale at the sight of him.

“Who are you?” he demanded.

“I’m with her,” Sullivan answered without missing a beat. He stared hard at the man. “So you’re going to want to step back. Way back,” he clarified, waiting for Ken to comply. “I’m afraid I’m a little…” Sullivan turned to her. “What’d you called it, baby?”

Sophia smiled as she slid up next to him, her body pressed into his. “Possessive. I said you’re a little possessive.”

He smiled down into her upturned face. “That’s right. Possessive.” He whispered the last word lovingly, intimately.

Ken watched as the man’s arm came around the woman; the way her hand rested on his chest. Lucky SOB, he thought. “Well, I can see you’ve got everything under control here,” he mumbled as he turned to go. “I’ll just… leave you to it.”

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief as she watched him walk away. “He’s the kind of guy that’s convinced every woman in the world is ready to fall at his feet. Your appearance however, made him see otherwise. Thanks.”

Sullivan smiled down at her, enjoying the way it felt to have her close. “At your service, ma’am.”

She giggled at that, giving him a quick hug, before pulling away. “You really think you can get my car started?”

“Sure. Just let me get the cables from the back.” Sullivan moved to the toolbox in the bed of his truck. Jesus! He had to get a grip on his emotions before he did something stupid. When he’d driven over and seen that shake and bake Casanova talking to Sophia, he’d felt a brutal stab of jealousy. But then Sophia had moved in, wrapping her body around his. And, in the time it took him to draw a breath, jealousy gave way to gut wrenching desire. He’d actually had to force himself to let her go. And now, unless he could get it together, he was dangerously close to throwing her over his shoulder and stealing away with her.

“Did you find them?” Sophia called out.

Sullivan took a deep breath, counted to three, and then let it out with a shudder.

“Sullivan?”

He pulled the cables from his toolbox, let the lid fall shut, and finally answered. “Got ’em!”

For the next few minutes, he concentrated on the task at hand. Unwinding the cables, he began to form a connection between the battery in Sophia’s car and the one in his truck. Positive to positive. Negative to ground. Once the cables were in place, he started his truck and asked Sophia to try her car again.

She smiled gratefully when it started right up. Leaving her car running, she climbed out to watch Sullivan disconnect the cables. “I don’t even begin to know how to thank you. You saved me so much time and trouble. If I’d called my road side service, I’d still be waiting.”

“No problem,” Sullivan smiled. “It wasn’t any trouble at all.” He returned the cables to his toolbox. “You’re going to want to keep your car running for the next thirty minutes or so to recharge the battery.”

Sophia glanced at her watch and her face fell. “I don’t have thirty minutes. My son’s baseball game starts in fifteen.”

Sullivan’s look was curious. “Your son?”

“Yeah. And I absolutely cannot be late to his game.” She took a moment to think before shrugging her shoulders. “I’ll just have to take my chances. If the car doesn’t start after the game, I’ll deal with it. Right now, I have to go.”

“Why don’t I go with you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why don’t I go with you?” Sullivan suggested quickly. “I can follow in my truck. That way, if your car doesn’t start after the game, I’ll be there to help.”

“I appreciate the offer, Sullivan, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.”

“You want to go to my son’s baseball game?” Sophia asked doubtfully.

“I happen to like baseball,” Sullivan insisted. “I even played when I was a kid. All the way through high school.” He smiled reassuringly. “But I haven’t had a chance to go to a game in ages.” Sullivan could see that Sophia was tempted. Nothing could have pleased him more. He glanced at his watch. “We really should get going though. You don’t want to be late.”

With a final look of exasperation, Sophia gave in. “Okay, but I don’t want any whining later if you get bored.”

“I was a SEAL, sweetheart. We never whine.”

Ten minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot together, and Sullivan rushed to join her.

“I wish I’d taken the time to change,” Sophia frowned. “I’m not exactly dressed for climbing bleachers.”

His eyes skimmed over her sleeveless, summer dress and wedge sandals. The light fabric hinted at curves while the heels showed off very shapely legs. “I think you look lovely,” he murmured.

Before Sophia could respond, a teenage boy rushed over.

“Mom! I was getting worried that you weren’t going to make it,” he said as he hugged her.

“Are you kidding me? I’ve never missed a single game. I’m not about to start now!” She turned to make introductions. “Sullivan, this is my son, Joshua Campbell. Josh, this is Sullivan Price. He works with Einstein.”

Sullivan smiled to mask his confusion and held out his hand to shake. There was no well in hell Sophia was old enough to be this boy’s mother. He had to be sixteen, maybe even seventeen years old.

“You served with Einstein?” Josh was asking. “As a SEAL?”

“Yes.”

“Epic.”

Assuming it was meant as a compliment, Sullivan nodded.

“You should go,” Sophia said to her son. “Good luck. And remember. No matter what happens out there, I’m proud of you.”

Josh smiled. “I know.” With that said, he headed toward the field.

Sophia looked up at Sullivan. “Last chance to change your mind.”

“Absolutely not.”

She studied him for a moment, measuring his sincerity. Finally, she nodded. “Alright then. Let’s go find a seat before the game starts.”

They worked their way across the grass to the bleachers, Sullivan steadying her with his hand on the small of her back.

“I think maybe over there,” she suggested, pointing to a spot midway up.

Sullivan couldn’t help but notice that they earned more than a few stares as they made their way to their seats. He supposed they did make an unusual pair. Sophia was the epitome of all things feminine and delicate while he was unapologetically masculine. Together they were a study of physical contradiction.

As they settled in, pressed companionably together hip to knee, Sullivan leaned in to whisper, “Is it rude of me to ask? About Josh?”

When he felt Sophia stiffen beside him, he rushed to apologize. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. Please, forget I said anything.”

“No,” she whispered. “I just forget sometimes. How we must look to outsiders.” She stopped to cheer as the players were introduced to the crowd. “Joshua was my brother Ian’s son. When Ian and his wife Emily were killed in an accident, I took Josh in, adopted him as my own.”

“That’s remarkable,” Sullivan answered honestly. “You two seem really close. How long have you been together, as a family?”

“Seven years. I adopted Josh when he was ten years old. I was nineteen.”

“You became a mother at nineteen? To a ten-year-old?” Sullivan was stunned and impressed. “That must have been difficult.”

Sophia nodded in agreement. “It was, in the beginning.”

Sullivan waited silently as she shifted in her seat, considering how much to tell him. Fifteen agonizing seconds later, she bent over at the waist and rested her elbows on her thighs with her feet on the empty bench in front of them. He mirrored her movements, keeping his head down and moving in close.

“I was only in my second year of college when Ian died. I didn’t know the first thing about raising a child.” She spared a quick glance for him, caught his reassuring smile and the warmth in his eyes. “I transferred to the local state college, thankfully on full scholarship, and we moved in with my parents. Most of my classes were during the day, like Josh’s, so that wasn’t so bad. For the few I took after hours, my mom watched him. That was good for everyone. My parents needed to be near him. And Josh needed the extra attention.”

“Do you still live with your parents?”

“No, not for years now. My business provides us with everything we need.”

“That’s wonderful.” Sullivan looked out at the field. “He seems like a great kid.”

I just realized that it’s been a while since I checked in with everyone. All is well here in Maryland. Enjoying the beginning of the Christmas season, watching all the houses in the neighbor get decorated one by one. My daughter and I pride ourselves on being the first to have them up every year (We decorate on Thanksgiving day). I’m sorry and shocked to report that we were dethroned this year! One neighbor beat us by several days!! Oh well, as Bronwyn would say “It is what it is.”

Work is busy, of course. I switched schools which made for a very hectic beginning to the year. And it’s my daughter’s senior year in high school! The school year has been filled with pictures, year book pages, college entrance essays and visits, etc, etc, etc. She’s picked her top two favorites. I hope, for my sake, that she stays reasonably close to home.

Still trying to find as much time to write as possible. Some weeks I manage to write everyday. Some weeks I’m lucky if I can squeeze in a handful of hours. I envy writers who get to write all day. I hope they know how lucky they are!!!

This brings us to Sophia’s Courage. I had hoped to have it ready before the end of the year. Realistically, I’m going to have to move the release date. The new release date will be February 14th. Yes, Valentine’s Day. Sophia would appreciate the connection. Some readers have asked if I would give a little background about the book to help them with the wait. I haven’t written the back cover copy yet but here’s a little information about our cast of characters:

Sullivan Price – AKA Caveman. You’ve learned a little about him from previous books in the series. He was a SEAL with the rest of his team. His specialties were weapons and hand to hand combat. He’s big and tough and takes advantage of it.”

Every inch of his six feet two inch frame was bulging muscle, his skin a deep rich mahogany.”

“Christ. She was lovely. Long dark hair, red full lips, and eyes the color of Tennessee whiskey. Petite and delicate. The kind of woman a man wanted to take care of. Protect. Cherish.”Sophia (age 26) is also a mom, of a 15 year old boy. Go ahead, do the math. It doesn’t add up. I know. In her book, you’ll learn how Sophia and Josh came to be a family.

Josh Campbell – 15 years old, brilliant student, baseball player, Call to Duty junky. He considers it his job to look after his mom. She’s had her heart broken once and he’s not going to let it happen again.

When Sophia and Caveman first meet, Caveman is instantly smitten. Problem: Sophia’s divorce isn’t final yet. There are some interesting close calls as he tries to do the honorable thing and wait.

One reader specifically wanted to know what Sophia’s courage is – In Sophia’s case, she met husband in college. They were sweethearts all four years. Everyone assumed they’d get married and live happily ever after. They were the “it” couple. Get the picture? Well, they did get married but missed out on the HEA. Sophia has to decide if she has the courage to try again with another man, our Caveman. She has to decide if she has the courage to choose love.

Now that I’ve caught up with everybody, I’m going to go spend time with Caveman and Sophia. Since, I can’t have the book ready by the end of the year, I’ll make sure I do better with the updates.

Until then,

E

Oh, one last hint. Remember the shower… the office floor… the truck? Think….. elevator.

Jacqueline’s Desire is number 42 on Amazon’s Best Seller’s List in Military Romance!!!!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to my readers! This is because of you guys! Please, continue to spread the word.

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Little Known Facts

I like knowing about my favorite authors. Not just things about their writing, but tidbits about the women they are. So I thought I'd use this little section of my site to share a new little tidbit with you every week.

Tidbit:
I am addicted to Flavor Ice. I have no idea what it is about it. But I buy it from Amazon so that I can have it year round. I know, weird. But it could be worse, I guess.